Summary of Beliefs

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	Summary of Beliefs

Emanuel Swedenborg's Contribution:
Emanuel was born in 1688 in Sweden. His father, Jesper Swedberg, was a Lutheran bishop whose responsibilities included the Swedish churches in Pennsylvania and in London. Jesper took interest in the beliefs of the dissenting Lutheran Pietest movement, which placed more emphasis on the virtues of love and communion with God than on faith alone. These beliefs were to have a major impact on his son.

Emanuel took his studies at the University of Uppsala, then traveled to work with leading scientists throughout Europe. He gained favor with Sweden's King Carl XII, and was ennobled by Queen Ulrika Eleonora, leading to a seat in the Swedish House of Nobles.

A member of the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences, he devoted himself to scientific and philosophical studies that brought him recognition across Europe. In the mid-1730s, he redirected his studies to the anatomy in search of the connection between the soul and the body, making several significant discoveries.

In the early 1740s he shifted his main focus from science and philosophy to theology. He began studying Scripture and publishing theological works that draw on the Bible, reasoning, and his own spiritual experiences. This Christian theology offers unique perspectives on the nature of God, the afterlife, the Bible, marriage, and the path to salvation.

Although his intention was not to be the founder of a denomination, the inspired writings of Emanuel Swedenborg form the basis for the 'New Church' views of Christianity. A devout Christian, Swedenborg respected people of all faiths who sincerely seek to understand God, then do what they believe He asks of them.



	"Behold, I make all things new." (Revelation 21:5) God The Lord Jesus Christ is the one God of heaven and earth - the all-powerful Creator and Provider, and the approachable, loving, personal God who reaches out to all of us. He is intimately aware of the directions of our lives, and works in countless ways to inspire our free response to all that He offers. Freedom The Lord ensures that each of us has the freedom to choose what we want to believe and how we want to live. He gives us this ability, knowing full well that we can use it to reject Him and serve ourselves. Yet by means of it we can turn to Him and see the wisdom in freely choosing to serve others as He asks. Freedom is the cornerstone of individual spiritual growth. Spiritual Growth Spiritual rebirth is a process. Faith and living a life according to one’s faith, is a dynamic journey of change and growth. People who are striving to improve their lives by cooperating with God will continue to grow forever. The Church The Lord’s universal church includes all people who live a good life according to their own religious beliefs. One teaching of the New Church says, “Every person is saved who acknowledges God and lives well.” The Lord makes sure that all people have the opportunity to learn these two most basic principles of religion, working through many churches in many nations. Yet He wants us to know much more than the “basics.” The New Church is where you will find specific teachings about what He asks and how He leads us. The Word of God The Bible is the Word of God and can be read on many different levels. There is a deeper symbolic meaning to the stories in the Bible which teaches individuals about their own spiritual lives. We call this deeper meaning the “internal sense” of the Word. The teachings of the New Church are drawn from the Bible and from the Divinely inspired theological works of Emanuel Swedenborg. Life After Death The life after death is real, and much more knowable than many people believe. The book Heaven and Hell by Emanuel Swedenborg has inspired people for over two centuries with its detailed description of life after death. It teaches that death is merely a transition from the natural world to the spiritual world, where life continues for all people according to the patterns they have developed in life. Those who have cooperated with God in this life by striving to become better people, find themselves in a heavenly way of life in the next. Those who have chosen to serve themselves above their neighbors gravitate towards others like themselves in the place called hell. People freely choose their eternal destiny. Marriage Love in marriage is a special gift from the Lord. When spiritual principles are applied not only to one’s spiritual growth, but also to the marriage relationship, troubled times can be overcome, and that marriage will grow in friendship, mutual support, and happiness. Genuine marriage does not end with death, but continues to eternity. Click here for more about the New Church Search for books about 'New Church' views of Christianity